Miller Road Park's New Pet Poop Stations Mean a Cleaner Lake Erie

Thanks to a donation by GenOn Energy (Avon Lake power plant), Miller Road Park and Lake Erie will be a little cleaner. GenOn, formerly Reliant Energy, recently donated $332 for the purchase of two pet waste stations and 2,000 collection bags for Miller Road Park.

This donation along with the two donated by the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB) brings the total number to four stations that will be installed in the park. The park is tangent to the GenOn property.

Making sure pet owners pick up after their pets is integral to keeping Lake Erie clean.

If pet waste is not disposed of properly, stormwater washes it to Lake Erie where it adds nutrients increasing the algae bloom and feeding the dead zone in the lake. 

The EPA designated dog excrement as a "nonpoint source of pollution" identifying it with oil and toxic chemicals. Infected dog waste spreads infections and disposing of it properly is regarded as a public health and safety activity. 

The power plant’s general manager said working with the city was important.

"GenOn Energy thanks the city for this opportunity to work together,” GenOn plant manager Dan Rogatto said. “We all benefit."

Accepting the check was Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch, who chairs the Environmental Committee of .

"This is another good news story about private and public partnership,” Fenderbosch said. “GenOn Energy's generous donation will benefit many and demonstrates their commitment to developing a joint environmental plan for the community."

Scott Cameron, the Environmental Specialist at the Lake Road Generating Station represents GenOn Energy on the EAAB.

 Caption under attached picture: Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch, Chair of the Environmental Committee accepts a $332 donation from Dan Rogatto, Plant Manager and Scott Cameron, Environmental Specialist at GenOn Energy.